New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
The New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats from October 5, 2025, tell the story of a game decided by turnovers, explosive passing plays, and the Saints’ ability to convert scoring opportunities. New Orleans defeated New York 26-14 in Week 5 of the NFL season, earning a home victory despite recording fewer rushing yards than the Giants. The difference came through efficient quarterback play, a crucial defensive performance, and the impact of wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, whose 87-yard touchdown reception changed the momentum of the contest.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart produced two touchdown passes, but two interceptions and three lost fumbles hurt New York’s chances of mounting a comeback. On the other side, Spencer Rattler threw for 225 yards and one touchdown without an interception, while the Saints’ defense generated two interceptions through Kool-Aid McKinstry.
This detailed breakdown examines the final score, quarterback numbers, rushing and receiving production, defensive contributions, special teams, and the statistics that explain why New Orleans won. It also highlights the difference between accumulating yards and turning those yards into points.
New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The Week 5 matchup took place on October 5, 2025, at the Saints’ home venue. Both teams entered the game with a 1-3 record, according to the supplied game data, making the result important for two teams looking to build momentum early in the season.
New Orleans finished with a 26-14 victory. The Giants scored all 14 of their points in the first half, while the Saints added points in every quarter and finished stronger after halftime.
FINAL SCORE · WEEK 5
New York Giants
14 points
14
New Orleans Saints
26 points · Winner
26
Game date
October 5, 2025
Competition
NFL, Week 5
Giants record after game
1-4
Saints record after game
1-4
Quarter-by-quarter scoring
| Quarter | New York Giants | New Orleans Saints |
| First | 7 | 3 |
| Second | 7 | 13 |
| Third | 0 | 3 |
| Fourth | 0 | 7 |
| Final | 14 | 26 |
The Giants made the better start, scoring seven points in each of the first two quarters. However, the Saints responded with 13 points in the second quarter to take control before halftime.
New York failed to score after the break. New Orleans added a field goal in the third quarter and a touchdown in the fourth, gradually extending its lead.
The quarter-by-quarter figures reveal a central theme of the game: New York’s offense showed early promise but could not sustain its production, while New Orleans continued to find ways to score.
Quarterback Stats: Jaxson Dart vs Spencer Rattler
Quarterback performance was one of the most important differences between the two teams. Jaxson Dart delivered two touchdown passes for the Giants, but Spencer Rattler protected the football more effectively and produced more passing yards.
The comparison shows why touchdown totals alone do not tell the complete story of a quarterback’s performance.
Jaxson Dart’s passing performance
Jaxson Dart
New York Giants · No. 6
26/40
Completions / attempts
202 individual passing yards
2 TDs
2 INTs
Dart completed 26 of his 40 pass attempts, giving him a completion rate of 65%. His individual statistical row lists 202 passing yards, a 5.1-yard average per attempt, two touchdown passes, and two interceptions. He was sacked once for a loss of three yards and finished with a 73.1 passer rating and a 55.2 QBR.
| Passing statistic | Jaxson Dart |
| Completions | 26 |
| Attempts | 40 |
| Completion percentage | 65.0% |
| Passing yards, individual row | 202 |
| Yards per attempt | 5.1 |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Sacks taken | 1 |
| Sack yards lost | 3 |
| Passer rating | 73.1 |
| QBR | 55.2 |
Dart’s two touchdown passes demonstrate that he was able to finish some possessions successfully. His completion rate was also respectable. However, completing passes does not necessarily mean an offense is consistently moving the ball efficiently. The relatively modest yards-per-attempt figure indicates that his average passing gain was limited.
The two interceptions were particularly damaging. An interception ends the offense’s possession and can give the opposing team a favorable opportunity to score. Against a Saints defense that recorded two interceptions, those mistakes became a major part of the game’s outcome.
Dart also had to contend with the Saints’ pressure. Although he was sacked only once in the supplied statistics, New Orleans recorded five quarterback hits as a team. That figure suggests the defense affected the passing game beyond the sacks that appeared in the box score.
Spencer Rattler’s passing performance
Spencer Rattler
New Orleans Saints · No. 2
21/31
Completions / attempts
225 passing yards
1 TD
0 INTs
Rattler completed 21 of 31 passes, finishing with a completion rate of approximately 67.7%. He recorded 225 passing yards, averaged 7.5 yards per attempt, and threw one touchdown without an interception. His listed passer rating was 99.5, while his QBR was 60.1.
| Passing statistic | Spencer Rattler |
| Completions | 21 |
| Attempts | 31 |
| Completion percentage | 67.7% |
| Passing yards | 225 |
| Yards per attempt | 7.5 |
| Passing touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 0 |
| Passer rating | 99.5 |
| QBR | 60.1 |
Rattler attempted nine fewer passes than Dart but threw for more yards. His 7.5 yards per attempt compared favorably with Dart’s 5.1, showing that the Saints generated more yardage from each passing attempt.
The most important distinction was ball security. Rattler avoided interceptions, allowing the Saints to preserve possession and continue working toward scoring opportunities. His performance was not defined by an unusually high passing volume. Instead, he combined a reasonable completion rate with more productive gains per attempt.
Taysom Hill also completed his only pass attempt for 19 yards. His contribution helped bring the Saints’ team passing total to 244 yards across 32 attempts.
Quarterback comparison at a glance
| Category | Jaxson Dart | Spencer Rattler |
| Completion rate | 65.0% | 67.7% |
| Passing yards | 202 individual | 225 |
| Yards per attempt | 5.1 | 7.5 |
| Touchdown passes | 2 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Sacks | 1 | 0 |
| Passer rating | 73.1 | 99.5 |
| QBR | 55.2 | 60.1 |
The Giants received more touchdown passes from their starting quarterback, but the Saints had the more efficient passing performance by several key measures. Rattler’s ability to avoid interceptions was especially valuable in a game where the Giants repeatedly lost possession.
One data detail deserves attention: the supplied ESPN figures list 202 passing yards in Dart’s individual row and 199 yards in the Giants’ team passing summary. Both values are retained as displayed rather than treating the discrepancy as a confirmed error in either figure.
Rushing Stats: Which Team Controlled the Ground Game?
New York had a clear advantage in rushing production. The Giants gained 136 yards on 29 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. New Orleans managed 88 yards on 30 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt.
Despite that difference, the Giants did not score a rushing touchdown. Their advantage on the ground helped them move the ball, but it did not translate into a winning result.
New York Giants rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Yards per carry | Longest run | TDs |
| Cam Skattebo | 15 | 59 | 3.9 | 9 | 0 |
| Jaxson Dart | 7 | 55 | 7.9 | 20 | 0 |
| Devin Singletary | 6 | 20 | 3.3 | 7 | 0 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
| Team total | 29 | 136 | 4.7 | 20 | 0 |
Cam Skattebo’s workload
Cam Skattebo led the Giants in rushing attempts and rushing yards, finishing with 59 yards on 15 carries. His average of 3.9 yards per carry provided a steady contribution, although he did not break a run longer than nine yards.
Skattebo also played a role in the passing game, catching six passes for 45 yards on seven targets. That combination gave him 104 yards from scrimmage, calculated by adding his rushing and receiving yardage.
His receiving work was particularly useful because it offered the Giants another way to get the ball into the hands of a running back without relying exclusively on handoffs. However, his 104 combined yards did not include a touchdown, so his production did not directly add to the team’s scoring total.
Jaxson Dart’s rushing contribution
Dart rushed seven times for 55 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. His longest run was 20 yards, making him the Giants’ most productive runner on a per-carry basis.
These numbers show that his mobility was an important part of New York’s offensive output. Quarterback runs can punish a defense that concentrates too heavily on the running back or turns its attention toward defending receivers.
However, rushing production from a quarterback does not automatically translate into sustained offensive success. The Giants needed to pair Dart’s movement with better possession security and more consistent scoring after halftime.
New Orleans Saints rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Yards per carry | Longest run | TDs |
| Kendre Miller | 10 | 41 | 4.1 | 11 | 0 |
| Alvin Kamara | 8 | 27 | 3.4 | 11 | 0 |
| Spencer Rattler | 6 | 21 | 3.5 | 11 | 0 |
| Taysom Hill | 6 | -1 | -0.2 | 2 | 0 |
| Team total | 30 | 88 | 2.9 | 11 | 0 |
Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara
Kendre Miller led New Orleans in rushing yards with 41 on 10 carries. His 4.1-yard average was higher than the Saints’ overall rushing average, suggesting that he was more productive per attempt than the team as a whole.
Kamara added 27 yards on eight carries. Although those numbers were modest by his usual standards as a versatile offensive player, he contributed in the passing game as well, catching four passes for 28 yards.
Kamara therefore finished with 55 yards from scrimmage. Miller, meanwhile, recorded 49 combined rushing and receiving yards, including one reception for eight yards.
The Saints did not need a dominant rushing performance to win. Their passing efficiency, defensive takeaways, and field-goal production compensated for the limited ground output.
Why the Giants’ rushing advantage did not decide the game
New York gained 48 more rushing yards than New Orleans and averaged 1.8 more yards per carry. Those figures would normally suggest that the Giants had an important offensive advantage.
However, three factors help explain why that advantage was not enough:
- No rushing touchdowns: Neither team scored a rushing touchdown, so the Giants’ extra ground yardage did not produce a direct scoring advantage.
- Turnovers: New York lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions, repeatedly giving up possession.
- Second-half scoring: The Giants recorded no points in the final two quarters, while the Saints scored 10.
The lesson from the rushing statistics is that efficiency must be considered alongside possession security and scoring. Yardage matters, but its value depends on whether an offense can turn drives into points without surrendering the ball.
Receiving Stats: Rashid Shaheed Delivers the Biggest Play
The receiving numbers reveal another important difference between the teams. The Giants recorded more receptions, but the Saints gained more yards per catch and produced the game’s most explosive passing play.
New York finished with 202 receiving yards on 26 receptions, averaging 7.8 yards per catch in the supplied team receiving summary. New Orleans recorded 244 yards on 22 receptions, averaging 11.6 yards per catch.
That difference of 3.8 yards per reception shows how the Saints generated more yardage from fewer catches.
New York Giants receiving leaders
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving yards | Average | Longest catch | TDs |
| Daniel Bellinger | 4 | 4 | 52 | 13.0 | 18 | 0 |
| Cam Skattebo | 6 | 7 | 45 | 7.5 | 15 | 0 |
| Theo Johnson | 6 | 7 | 33 | 5.5 | 15 | 2 |
| Darius Slayton | 3 | 6 | 31 | 10.3 | 16 | 0 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 5 | 7 | 30 | 6.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Beaux Collins | 1 | 3 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Devin Singletary | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 |
Daniel Bellinger’s contribution
Daniel Bellinger led the Giants in receiving yards, catching four passes for 52 yards. He averaged 13 yards per reception, making him the team’s most productive receiver by total yardage.
His four receptions on four targets also represented a 100% catch rate in the supplied data. That is a useful indicator of reliability in this individual game, although a single performance should not be treated as a long-term measure of a player’s hands or consistency.
Bellinger’s production gave Dart a dependable target, but his longest catch was 18 yards and he did not score a touchdown. The Giants needed more explosive gains or additional scoring contributions from other receivers to match the Saints’ offensive impact.
Theo Johnson’s two touchdown catches
Theo Johnson was the Giants’ most important receiver in the scoring column. He caught six passes for 33 yards and scored two touchdowns.
His average of 5.5 yards per reception was lower than Bellinger’s or Darius Slayton’s. Yet Johnson’s two touchdowns underline why receiving yardage alone does not determine a player’s impact.
A short reception near the goal line can be more valuable to a team than a much longer catch that ends well short of the end zone. Johnson’s production helped account for all of the Giants’ scoring, with Dart providing both touchdown passes.
Johnson’s six catches on seven targets also showed that he was regularly involved in the passing plan. His role as a scoring target was one of the strongest positives for New York despite the defeat.
Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson
Slayton caught three passes for 31 yards, while Robinson added five receptions for 30 yards. Their combined 61 receiving yards helped support the Giants’ passing game, but neither player recorded a touchdown.
Robinson also carried the ball once for two yards. His versatility gave New York another option for moving the ball, although his contributions were not enough to overcome the Saints’ defensive pressure and takeaways.
New Orleans Saints receiving leaders
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving yards | Average | Longest catch | TDs |
| Rashid Shaheed | 4 | 5 | 114 | 28.5 | 87 | 1 |
| Chris Olave | 7 | 11 | 59 | 8.4 | 17 | 0 |
| Alvin Kamara | 4 | 6 | 28 | 7.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Juwan Johnson | 2 | 4 | 17 | 8.5 | 19 | 0 |
| Devaughn Vele | 2 | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 7 | 0 |
| Kendre Miller | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 0 |
| Brandin Cooks | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 |
Rashid Shaheed’s game-changing performance
Rashid Shaheed was the standout receiver of the matchup. He caught four passes for 114 yards, averaged 28.5 yards per reception, and recorded one touchdown. His longest reception covered 87 yards.
That single play illustrates the difference between consistent short gains and explosive passing production. A long touchdown reception can change the score immediately, without requiring the offense to complete several consecutive passes or sustain a long drive.
Shaheed’s four catches accounted for nearly half of the Saints’ 244 team passing yards. His 114 receiving yards represented approximately 46.7% of that total.
His impact was not limited to the raw yardage. By producing a touchdown on a deep reception, he gave New Orleans a scoring play that the Giants could not match through their own receiving production.
Chris Olave’s role in the Saints’ passing attack
Chris Olave led New Orleans in receptions, catching seven passes for 59 yards on 11 targets. His 8.4 yards per catch was considerably lower than Shaheed’s average, but Olave’s volume offered Rattler a different type of receiving option.
Olave’s role complemented Shaheed’s explosive threat. While Shaheed generated a major gain, Olave contributed through a larger number of catches. These two forms of production can work together: one receiver stretches the defense, while another provides a more frequent target for moving the chains.
The Saints’ passing game therefore had more than one source of production. Rattler could distribute the ball, while Shaheed’s ability to generate a long gain made every deep opportunity potentially decisive.
Comparing the receiving units
| Receiving category | Giants | Saints |
| Team receptions | 26 | 22 |
| Team receiving yards | 202 | 244 |
| Average yards per catch | 7.8 | 11.6 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Longest reception | 18 yards | 87 yards |
| Team targets | 39 | 31 |
The Giants caught four more passes and recorded more receiving touchdowns, but the Saints produced 42 more receiving yards. The longest catch provides the clearest explanation: New Orleans had a major explosive play that significantly raised its average gain.
These figures also show why target volume should not be confused with efficiency. New York’s 39 targets resulted in 202 team receiving yards, while the Saints generated 244 yards from 31 targets. The Saints needed fewer opportunities to gain more yardage.
There is a small accounting difference worth noting. The supplied Giants team receiving total lists 202 yards, while the team passing summary lists 199 yards. This article preserves the separate figures as provided rather than assuming which total should replace the other.
Defensive Player Stats: Kool-Aid McKinstry Leads the Takeaway Effort
The defensive numbers explain much of the difference between the teams. The Saints recorded two interceptions, five quarterback hits, and one sack. The Giants recorded no interceptions, no sacks, and only one quarterback hit in the supplied defensive summary.
The Saints’ defense did more than limit yardage. It created opportunities to take possession away from New York, making it harder for the Giants to turn their offensive production into a comeback.
New Orleans Saints defensive statistics
| Defensive category | Saints total |
| Total tackles | 72 |
| Solo tackles | 45 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for loss | 2 |
| Passes defended | 7 |
| Quarterback hits | 5 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 1 listed |
The Saints recorded 72 total tackles, including 45 solo tackles. They also defended seven passes and registered five quarterback hits.
These figures indicate that the defense was involved at several levels. Tackles helped finish plays, passes defended challenged throws before they could become completions, and quarterback hits applied pressure even when the defender did not bring the quarterback down.
The supplied defensive summary also lists one defensive touchdown. However, it does not identify the scoring player or provide enough detail to establish the exact scoring sequence. That figure should therefore be treated as a reported statistical entry rather than used to assign an unverified play to an individual.
Kool-Aid McKinstry’s two interceptions
Kool-Aid McKinstry recorded two interceptions for New Orleans. He had no interception return yards or interception return touchdowns listed in the supplied figures, but the takeaways themselves were significant.
An interception ends an offensive possession and can create an immediate opportunity for the defense’s team to score. It can also disrupt a quarterback’s rhythm, force an offense to reconsider its passing decisions, and increase the pressure on the opposing team to respond.
McKinstry’s two interceptions were particularly important because Dart also threw two touchdown passes. The Giants showed they could score through the air, but the interceptions reduced their opportunities to build on that success.
The key distinction is that New Orleans did not need to intercept every pass or dominate every defensive category. Creating two interceptions while preventing the Giants from scoring in the second half was enough to make the defensive performance a major factor in the win.
Pete Werner and Demario Davis anchor the tackling effort
Pete Werner led the Saints with 11 total tackles, five of them solo tackles. He also recorded one quarterback hit.
Demario Davis added 10 total tackles, including seven solo tackles and one tackle for loss. Together, their tackling production helped the Saints limit New York’s opportunities to extend drives.
| Saints defender | Total tackles | Solo tackles | Additional contribution |
| Pete Werner | 11 | 5 | 1 quarterback hit |
| Demario Davis | 10 | 7 | 1 tackle for loss |
| Alontae Taylor | 8 | 4 | No additional statistic listed |
| Jonas Sanker | 7 | 6 | 1 tackle for loss |
Werner’s 11 tackles led all listed Saints defenders. Davis was close behind with 10, while Taylor and Sanker also contributed substantial tackling totals.
These numbers do not independently establish which defender had the greatest overall impact. Tackles differ in value depending on the situation, the distance to the first down, and whether a play prevents a scoring opportunity. Still, the distribution shows that the Saints received contributions from several defenders rather than relying on one player alone.
New York Giants defensive statistics
| Defensive category | Giants total |
| Total tackles | 66 |
| Solo tackles | 43 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Tackles for loss | 7 |
| Passes defended | 3 |
| Quarterback hits | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
The Giants recorded 66 total tackles and 43 solo tackles. Their seven tackles for loss exceeded the Saints’ two, showing that New York did make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
However, the Giants did not record a sack or interception in the supplied team defensive statistics. Their single quarterback hit also suggests that they had fewer opportunities to disrupt Rattler through direct pressure.
This contrast helps explain why the Saints were able to finish the game with a more efficient passing performance. The Giants had some success against the run, but they did not produce the same number of takeaways or quarterback disruptions.
Bobby Okereke leads the Giants in tackles
Bobby Okereke recorded 10 total tackles and five solo tackles, making him the Giants’ leading tackler in the supplied data.
Darius Muasau added nine tackles, including six solo tackles and one tackle for loss. Paulson Adebo recorded six tackles, all solo, while Tyler Nubin contributed five total tackles and four solo tackles.
| Giants defender | Total tackles | Solo tackles | Additional contribution |
| Bobby Okereke | 10 | 5 | None listed |
| Darius Muasau | 9 | 6 | 1 tackle for loss |
| Paulson Adebo | 6 | 6 | 1 tackle for loss |
| Tyler Nubin | 5 | 4 | 1 tackle for loss |
| Rakeem Nunez-Roches | 5 | 1 | 1 quarterback hit |
The Giants’ defense was not without productive individual performances. Okereke and Muasau both recorded high tackle totals, and the unit generated seven tackles for loss.
The larger problem was that the defense did not produce an interception or sack in the supplied summary. Tackling can stop a play after a gain, but turnovers and sacks can create more decisive changes in field position and possession.
Turnovers and Fumbles: The Statistical Turning Point
The turnover figures are among the most important parts of the New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats. New York recorded three fumbles and lost all three, while the Saints recorded no fumbles in the supplied team statistics.
The Giants also threw two interceptions. Those errors made it more difficult to maintain possession and gave New Orleans additional opportunities to control the game.
Giants fumble statistics
| Player | Fumbles | Fumbles lost |
| Darius Slayton | 1 | 1 |
| Jaxson Dart | 1 | 1 |
| Cam Skattebo | 1 | 1 |
| Team total | 3 | 3 |
Each of the three listed Giants fumbles was lost. The players responsible were Slayton, Dart, and Skattebo.
A lost fumble is costly because it ends the offense’s possession without requiring the defense to stop the drive through a conventional tackle or incomplete pass. It can also leave the opposing team in a favorable field position.
When combined with Dart’s two interceptions, the Giants’ listed statistics show five turnovers through lost fumbles and interceptions. That is a substantial obstacle for any offense, particularly one that needs to score after falling behind.
Saints fumble recoveries
The supplied data credits the Saints with three fumble recoveries. Jordan Howden, Cameron Jordan, and Jonas Sanker each recorded one recovery.
| Saints player | Fumble recoveries |
| Jordan Howden | 1 |
| Cameron Jordan | 1 |
| Jonas Sanker | 1 |
| Team total | 3 |
The Saints’ recovery figures correspond to the three fumbles lost by the Giants in the supplied statistics. However, the data does not provide a complete play-by-play account connecting each recovery to a particular fumble, so individual recovery sequences should not be inferred from the totals alone.
The Saints’ clean fumble record was equally important. They avoided giving the Giants a comparable set of free possessions through their own fumbles.
Why possession security matters more than raw yardage
The Giants gained 136 rushing yards and recorded two passing touchdowns. They also completed 26 passes according to the team summary. Yet those offensive achievements did not overcome their turnover problems.
Turnovers matter because they can erase the value of several successful plays. A team may drive the ball downfield through a combination of runs and passes, only to surrender possession before attempting a field goal or scoring a touchdown.
The Saints benefited from avoiding interceptions while recovering the Giants’ lost fumbles. This allowed them to protect their lead without needing to dominate every offensive category.
For analysts comparing NFL box scores, turnover margin should be considered alongside passing efficiency, rushing production, and scoring. It provides a useful explanation of why a team can gain fewer yards in one area yet still win comfortably.
Special Teams Stats: Blake Grupe’s Kicking Production
Special teams provided another important difference. Saints kicker Blake Grupe converted four of six field-goal attempts and both extra-point attempts, earning 14 total kicking points in the supplied statistics.
Giants kicker Jude McAtamney made both of his extra-point attempts. The supplied data records no field-goal attempts for him.
Kicking comparison
| Statistic | Jude McAtamney, Giants | Blake Grupe, Saints |
| Field goals made | 0 | 4 |
| Field goals attempted | 0 | 6 |
| Field-goal percentage | 0.0% listed | 66.7% |
| Longest field goal | Not applicable | 53 yards |
| Extra points made | 2 | 2 |
| Extra points attempted | 2 | 2 |
| Total kicking points | 2 | 14 |
Grupe’s four successful field goals accounted for 12 points, with two additional points coming from extra points. That made him a major contributor to New Orleans’ total.
His longest successful field goal was 53 yards. The ability to score from that distance can be valuable when a drive reaches a reasonable field position but stalls before reaching the end zone.
The Saints missed two field-goal attempts, so their kicking performance was not perfect. Even so, four successful kicks provided a reliable source of points.
The Giants, meanwhile, relied on their two touchdown conversions for their recorded kicking points. The absence of field-goal attempts in the supplied data means there is no basis for comparing the kickers on accuracy across equivalent opportunities.
Punting and field position
| Punting statistic | Jamie Gillan, Giants | Kai Kroeger, Saints |
| Punts | 2 | 2 |
| Total punt yards | 75 | 83 |
| Average punt | 37.5 yards | 41.5 yards |
| Longest punt | 40 yards | 51 yards |
| Touchbacks | 0 | 0 |
| Punts inside the 20 | 2 | 0 |
Jamie Gillan averaged 37.5 yards across two punts, and both of his punts finished inside the opponent’s 20-yard line according to the supplied figures. Kai Kroeger averaged 41.5 yards across two punts, with a longest punt of 51 yards.
The Giants’ two punts inside the 20 are noteworthy because they indicate that Gillan helped pin the Saints deep on those occasions. Kroeger, however, produced the higher average and the longer individual punt.
Punting statistics are most useful when considered alongside the resulting field position and subsequent defensive performance. Distance alone does not establish which punt was more effective, since direction, hang time, return opportunities, and the location where the ball is downed also matter.
Kick returns
The Giants recorded five kick returns for 160 yards, averaging 32 yards per return. Gunner Olszewski returned three kicks for 85 yards, while Deonte Banks returned two for 75 yards.
The Saints recorded two kick returns for 27 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per return.
| Team | Returns | Return yards | Average | Longest return |
| Giants | 5 | 160 | 32.0 | 46 |
| Saints | 2 | 27 | 13.5 | 18 |
New York had a clear statistical advantage in kick-return yardage. Its average return was 18.5 yards higher than New Orleans’ average.
That advantage could help establish favorable starting field position, but return statistics do not directly translate into points. The offense must still protect the ball, gain first downs, and finish the possession.
Neither team recorded a punt return in the supplied data. The kick-return figures therefore represent the listed return production without any additional punt-return yardage.
Team Statistics: Where the Game Was Won
Looking at the team totals together helps explain how the Saints won despite the Giants’ stronger rushing performance.
| Team statistic | New York Giants | New Orleans Saints |
| Final score | 14 | 26 |
| Passing yards, team summary | 199 | 244 |
| Rushing yards | 136 | 88 |
| Total rushing attempts | 29 | 30 |
| Rushing yards per attempt | 4.7 | 2.9 |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 2 | 0 |
| Fumbles lost | 3 | 0 |
| Sacks recorded by defense | 0 | 1 |
| Quarterback hits by defense | 1 | 5 |
| Field goals made | 0 | 4 |
The Giants led in rushing yards, yards per carry, receiving touchdowns, and kick-return yardage. The Saints led in passing yards, passing efficiency, defensive pressure, and kicking production.
The difference in turnovers stands out. New York’s two interceptions and three lost fumbles gave the Saints a substantial advantage in possession security. New Orleans also scored 12 more points than the Giants, despite having a lower rushing total.
These statistics show why it is important to avoid judging a football game through one category alone. A rushing advantage can be offset by turnovers, and a team with fewer receptions can still gain more receiving yards if its completions are more explosive.
The scoring difference and its meaning
The Saints won by 12 points. Their 26 points consisted of one passing touchdown in the supplied receiving data, four successful field goals, and two extra points. The Giants scored 14 points through two touchdown receptions and two extra points.
This breakdown highlights the value of combining touchdown production with successful field-goal attempts. New Orleans did not need to score more touchdowns than New York to finish with the higher total.
The Saints also avoided interceptions, which helped their offense retain possession. When a team combines steady scoring with a defense that creates takeaways, it can win even without a major advantage in rushing yardage.
Key Tactical Lessons From the Match
The final score provides the result, but the player statistics offer a deeper understanding of how the Saints secured the victory. Three tactical themes stand out.
1. Explosive passing plays changed the balance
Shaheed’s 87-yard reception gave New Orleans a major source of offensive production. The Saints averaged 11.6 yards per catch, compared with the Giants’ 7.8 yards in the supplied team receiving statistics.
The difference suggests that New Orleans was more effective at generating large gains through the air. Although the Giants completed more passes, the Saints made better use of their opportunities to stretch the field.
2. The Saints protected possession more effectively
Rattler threw no interceptions, while Dart threw two. New York also lost three fumbles.
The combined effect was significant. The Giants struggled to maintain possession, while the Saints avoided the same mistakes. Even a productive offense can lose control of a game when it repeatedly gives the opposition additional opportunities.
3. Field goals helped New Orleans maintain its lead
Grupe converted four field goals, providing 12 points from successful kicks. Those points allowed the Saints to capitalize on scoring opportunities without needing to reach the end zone every time.
The Giants scored two touchdowns but did not record a field-goal attempt in the supplied statistics. New Orleans’ ability to collect points through multiple methods gave it a more flexible scoring approach.
How to Read NFL Player Statistics Correctly
For readers comparing performances across NFL games, several principles make a box score more useful.
- Compare efficiency as well as volume. A quarterback who completes fewer passes can still produce more yardage if each completion generates a larger gain.
- Separate individual and team totals. Individual passing and receiving rows may differ slightly from team summaries because of how statistics are recorded or displayed. Preserve the source figures when a discrepancy cannot be resolved.
- Consider touchdowns in context. Two touchdown passes are valuable, but interceptions and lost fumbles can offset their impact.
- Examine defensive pressure. Sacks, quarterback hits, interceptions, and passes defended help explain whether a defense disrupted the opposing passing game.
- Include special teams. Field goals, extra points, punts, and kick returns can change the score and influence starting field position.
- Avoid drawing season-long conclusions from one game. A single performance provides a snapshot, not definitive evidence of a player’s overall ability or future production.
For the original game record and its statistical tables, consult the ESPN Giants vs Saints box score. This is the single external reference used for the matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints game on October 5, 2025?
The New Orleans Saints defeated the New York Giants 26-14 in their Week 5 NFL matchup on October 5, 2025.
2. How many passing yards did Jaxson Dart record against the Saints?
Jaxson Dart’s individual statistical row lists 202 passing yards on 26 completions from 40 attempts, with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. The Giants’ team passing summary lists 199 yards.
3. How did Spencer Rattler perform against the Giants?
Spencer Rattler completed 21 of 31 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. He averaged 7.5 yards per attempt and recorded a 99.5 passer rating.
4. Who had the most receiving yards in the game?
Rashid Shaheed led all listed receivers with 114 yards on four catches. He averaged 28.5 yards per reception and recorded an 87-yard touchdown catch.
5. Which player led the Giants in rushing?
Cam Skattebo led New York with 59 rushing yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Jaxson Dart added 55 yards on seven carries.
6. How many turnovers did the Giants commit?
The supplied statistics record two interceptions thrown by Dart and three lost fumbles by the Giants. That amounts to five turnovers across those two categories.
Conclusion
The New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats show that New Orleans earned its 26-14 victory through efficient passing, stronger ball security, timely defensive takeaways, and consistent kicking production.
Spencer Rattler threw for 225 yards without an interception, while Rashid Shaheed delivered the game’s standout receiving performance with 114 yards and an 87-yard touchdown. Kool-Aid McKinstry’s two interceptions helped disrupt the Giants’ offense, and Blake Grupe’s four field goals supplied 12 valuable points.
New York had several positives, including 136 rushing yards, two touchdown passes from Jaxson Dart, and two receiving touchdowns by Theo Johnson. However, the Giants’ five combined interceptions and lost fumbles, along with their inability to score in the second half, proved costly.
Ultimately, the matchup demonstrates that offensive yardage alone does not determine the winner. Teams must protect possession, convert opportunities into points, and make critical defensive plays when the game is on the line.
